Transform your leftover mashed potatoes from a simple side to the star of the show with this incredible Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins recipe. Imagine crispy, golden-brown edges giving way to a soft, fluffy, and ridiculously cheesy center. These savory muffins are the ultimate comfort food, perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a unique side dish, or even a satisfying snack. They are incredibly easy to make and a fantastic way to ensure no delicious leftovers go to waste. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy mashed potatoes!
Why This Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffin Recipe Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another recipe for leftovers; it’s a culinary upgrade. What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect texture contrast—that irresistible crunchy exterior combined with a warm, gooey, potato-and-cheese interior. They are wonderfully versatile, easy for little hands to grab, and perfect for making ahead. Whether you’re serving them alongside a weeknight dinner or as part of a holiday spread, they are guaranteed to disappear fast.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Potato Muffins
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few pantry staples to create these savory treats. The quality of your ingredients will shine through, so let’s break down the essentials.
Mashed Potatoes: The Foundation
Cold, leftover mashed potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Their firm texture helps the muffins hold their shape. If you’re making mashed potatoes specifically for this, allow them to cool completely in the refrigerator first for the best results.
The Cheese Blend: For Maximum Flavor
We use a combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Parmesan cheese. Cheddar provides that classic gooey melt, while Parmesan adds a salty, savory depth and helps create those delicious crispy edges. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda.
The Binders: Egg and Flour
An egg and a bit of all-purpose flour are crucial for structure. They bind the potato mixture together, ensuring your muffins don’t fall apart after baking. They create a light, almost soufflé-like texture inside.
Flavor Boosters: Garlic, Chives, and Seasoning
Freshly chopped chives and a hint of garlic powder elevate these muffins from good to great. They add a subtle oniony and savory note that complements the cheese and potatoes perfectly. Simple salt and pepper are all you need to round out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create flawless Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins every time. The process is straightforward and quick, making it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This is the most important step to prevent sticking!
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix Gently: Stir the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. The mixture should be thick and well-incorporated.
- Fill Muffin Tin: Evenly distribute the potato mixture among the 12 prepared muffin cups. You can use an ice cream scoop for uniform sizing.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops and edges are golden brown and crispy. For an extra-crispy top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the tin for at least 5 minutes before running a thin knife or spatula around the edges to loosen them. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Pro-Tips for Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
Want to guarantee your cheesy mashed potato bites are the best they can be? Follow these expert tips.
- Don’t Skip Greasing: Seriously, be generous when greasing your muffin tin. Use softened butter and get into every corner, or use a quality non-stick spray.
- Cold Potatoes Are Key: Using cold, firm mashed potatoes is non-negotiable. Warm or freshly made mashed potatoes are too soft and will result in a denser, less-structured muffin.
- Full-Fat Cheese: For the best melt and richest flavor, use full-fat block cheese that you shred yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt.
Fun Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a winner, these loaded mashed potato muffins are incredibly easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Loaded Potato Muffins: Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon and 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the mixture for a classic “loaded” baked potato flavor.
- Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar: For a spicy kick, mix in 1-2 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) along with the cheese.
- Broccoli and Cheddar: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped, steamed broccoli for a delicious and classic flavor combination.
What to Serve with Mashed Potato Muffins
These versatile muffins pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses. They are a fantastic substitute for traditional dinner rolls or roasted potatoes. Try serving them with a beautiful Roasted Cornish Hen for an elegant meal. They also complement hearty dishes like Parmesan Crusted Chicken or a comforting bowl of Beef Chili. For a complete meal, add a simple vegetable side like our delicious Honey Roasted Carrots.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These muffins are a great make-ahead option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes for excellent results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Allow the baked muffins to cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze for an hour. Transfer the frozen muffins to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes. Prepare them according to the package directions, but use slightly less liquid to ensure they are firm. For the best results, let them cool completely in the refrigerator before using.
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The best way to reheat them is in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, which will make them crispy again.
The key is to be very generous when greasing your muffin tin. Use softened butter or a quality non-stick cooking spray, making sure to coat the bottom and all sides of each cup thoroughly.
A combination of a good melting cheese and a hard, flavorful cheese works best. We love sharp cheddar for its gooey texture and Parmesan for its nutty, salty flavor and ability to create crispy edges. Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Gouda are also excellent choices.
The Ultimate Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffin Recipe
Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins (The Perfect Leftover Makeover)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cold mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the potato mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing. Serve warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the mashed potatoes are cold. This is the secret to muffins that hold their shape perfectly.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Cheesy Mashed Potato Muffins recipe! It’s a game-changer for leftovers and a guaranteed family favorite. If you make them, we’d love to see! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
